Neymar, 34, has declared his retirement from the Brazilian national team after their elimination in the knockout stage of the World Cup in Norway, losing 1-2.
Entering the match in the 68th minute, Neymar’s time with the team culminated in a late penalty goal in the 90+10 minute, a score that ultimately had no impact on the outcome of the game.
As Norway’s Erling Haaland and his teammates celebrated their victory with traditional gestures, Neymar collapsed on the field, visibly upset that his World Cup journey had come to an end.
Neymar Confirms Departure from National Team
Following the match against Norway, Neymar acknowledged that it was his final game in a World Cup and his last appearance representing Brazil.
“I tried. I tried. It all started here at MetLife Stadium, and it ends here. Now it’s over,” Neymar stated, tears in his eyes after the final whistle.
He reminded fans that his time with the national team, spanning 130 matches, began at the same MetLife Stadium in 2010 during a friendly match against the USA, and it concluded there on a sorrowful night.
This defeat marks Brazil’s poorest performance in a World Cup since 1990, ensuring the country will endure its longest drought without a trophy since their first win. By the next edition in 2030, it will be 28 years since Brazil last claimed the World Cup title.
